Spring Turns To Summer And Your Roses Need Care
Angie Noack

By now you have already been captivated by the first blooms of
late April and you're filled with anticipation over the wave of
blooms which are yet to come. This is the beginning of the
season that we wait for!

Begin your deep watering program

In early May, heavy rains could still be left over from April.
If that's so, then adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Otherwise, maintaining the correct moisture level is an
absolute necessity.

Although Roses don't need as much water as other plants do,
they prefer a root soaking rather than watering their blooms
and leaves. Of course, over-watering can cause mildew and
related fungal diseases to appear so be careful.

Start your deadheading program

Deadheading your rose plants results in an extended blooming
season. Simply cut back a few branches with outward-facing buds
that have more than five leaflets.

This is also a good time to enhance the overall appearance of
your bushes by removing any faded blooms.

May is the start of the organics season

Once your roses have produced their first flush, it's time to
apply the organics. Organics, including blood, fish, alfalfa,
and cottonseed meal are an excellent food source for roses as
is seaweed and wood ashes. Rinse seaweed in fresh water before
using.

This is also the right time to start working on your soil
amendments by applying compost and manure, shredded leaves, and
grass clippings freely and abundantly.

Summer Pest Control Issues

Insects and diseases will be trying to get off to a good start
this time of year as well. You can nip them in the bud, no pun
intended, by recognizing and counteracting the effects of these
common rose threats.

Aphids

These green or brown-colored insects form small colonies and
suck the fluids from your roses. While their presence is often
fatal to your roses, treatment is simple and effective. Just
spray them with a mild soapy water solution.

Black Spot

This fungal disease can be recognized by the black spots that
appear on the foliage. This condition is caused by incorrect
watering. First prune away the affected foliage and discard the
clippings in a trash can. Do not leave them on the ground around
your roses. Next, start soaking your roses at the roots rather
than watering from overhead.

Canker

This fungal disease causes the canes to turn black or brown
before dying. Canker usually forms while the rose bush is under
winter protection. Prune back affected canes to below the canker
spots and discard the canes in a trash can.

Midge

These are maggots which bore into your roses and cause the buds
to turn black. Prune out and discard the affected buds in a
trash can.

Rust

This fungus disease can only be treated with a commercial
fungicide. Symptoms include an orange-color powder which gives
the disease its name. Rust is usually the result of mild, wet
winters which allow the fungus to thrive when it would normally
be killed.

Spider Mites

Initial infestation becomes evident when the foliage starts to
turn a dull red color. As the infestation increases you will
begin to notice small webs. Treatment is as easy as spritz the
mites, as well as the affected areas, with plain water.

Angie Noack is a home and garden strategist
with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to
combine these two skills, she's able to help gardeners save
time and increase productivity. You can find her online at
http://www.agrerose.com


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